Big East roundup: Luck of the Huskies

1 Does Connecticut (4-5,1-4) have a shot against Notre Dame (6-4)?
It seems like everything should add up for UConn in this one. Four of its five losses have come by less than five points, so a break should swing its way. And it will, only not against the nation’s No.

5 Passing attack. Charlie Weis may already be on his way out, but Saturday is another chance for Jimmy Clausen to improve his draft stock. The junior should light up a defense that gave up 480 yards to Cincinnati’s backup quarterback two weeks ago. No worries for UConn, though, it should beat Syracuse and USF to gain bowl eligibility.

2 Who is the most overrated coach in the Big East? Now that Steve Kragthorpe proved worthless in Louisville, this honor goes to Jim Leavitt at South Florida. The Bulls start hot then flame hot once October hits. Last week’s 31-0 loss to Rutgers was inexcusable. In the nation’s deepest recruiting turf, USF should be fairing much better in the Big East.

3 Who is the most underrated player in the Big East? Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati’s final commit in 2008, is turning out to be one of the most exciting players in the Big East. Pead can bounce off defenders at will and is one of the conference’s leading rushers with 687 yards and eight touchdowns. Pead’s performance may be the biggest reason why Cinci continues to roll without Tony Pike.

4 Has Rutgers (7-2, 2-2) turned the corner ? That win total is misleading when you take into account who RU has beaten — Howard, FIU, Texas Southern and Army. It really needs to beat West Virginia Dec. 5 to earn some real credibility on the national level.

5 Will the bye week hurt Pitt’s momentum? No, it should only help it. Dion Lewis could use the extra rest after rushing for 152 yards in a win over Notre Dame, especially if next week’s matchup with West Virginia turns into a shootout. Don’t worry about Pitt sleepwalking into this one, both teams are always ready for the intense rivalry, the Backyard Brawl.